Vegan Cheese Spread
Creamy, tangy, and utterly versatile, this Vegan Cheese Spread is the ultimate dairy-free alternative for cheese lovers. Made with soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and a vibrant kick of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes with no cooking required. Seasoned with garlic and onion powder and customizable with optional smoked paprika or fresh herbs, it delivers a rich and savory flavor that’s perfect for spreading on crackers, dipping fresh veggies, or elevating your favorite sandwiches and wraps. With its silky texture and plant-based ingredients, this vegan cheese spread is not only a healthier option but also a crowd-pleasing addition to meatless menus. The recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for easy vegan recipes, dairy-free cheese ideas, or simple snack inspiration.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw cashews (soaked)
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 6 tablespoons Water (or more as needed)
- 0.25 teaspoon Optional: Smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Optional: Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or dill)
Instructions
Soak the cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes or in cold water for 4-6 hours. Drain and rinse them thoroughly before use.
Add the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and water to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, if the mixture is too thick to blend.
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more lemon juice for tanginess, salt for seasoning, or smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.
If using fresh herbs, fold them into the spread after blending to maintain a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Transfer the vegan cheese spread to a serving dish or airtight container. It will firm up slightly as it cools and can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Serve with crackers, fresh vegetables, or use as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
866 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.2 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1213 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.8 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 35.8 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 63 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1313 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
